Aden Asaiah Gage McKinney, age 17, beloved son, brother, and friend, passed away on January 3, 2026, at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, due to injuries sustained in a hunting accident. Aden was born on September 2, 2008, in Madisonville, Kentucky, to Sierra Adams Miller and Ernest McKinney.
Aden was currently a member of the junior class at Dawson Springs High School, where he was known for his friendly demeanor and spirited nature. He was a passionate outdoor enthusiast, embracing moments spent in nature, particularly hunting with his family. Riding horses also brought him immense joy, creating unforgettable memories in the great outdoors that he cherished deeply.
Aden leaves behind a loving family who will profoundly miss him. He is survived by his mother, Sierra (James) Miller of Crofton, Kentucky, and his father, Ernest (Jennifer) McKinney of Charleston, Kentucky. Aden was the proud brother of Alex McKinney and Asher McKinney, who admired him greatly. He will also be lovingly remembered by his maternal grandparents, Amy and Mike Walker of Dawson Springs, and paternal grandparents, Keith and Sarah McKinney of Charleston. Aden shared a unique bond with his bonus brothers, Malachi Myers and Noah Myers, and he was embraced by his bonus grandparents, Artie (Stacey) Parrott and Judy Parrott; several aunts, uncles, great-aunts and great-uncles.
Aden was preceded in death by his brother, Acea McKinney, and his maternal grandfather, Steve Adams.
Visitation for Aden Asaiah Gage McKinney will be on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. and on Wednesday, January 6, 2026, from 9:00 A.M. until the 1:00 funeral hour at Beshear Funeral Home in Dawson Springs, KY, with Bro. Doug Barnett and Bro. Allen “Stoney” Stone officiating. Aden will be carried to his final resting place in Menser Cemetery by a horse-drawn wagon driven by Tommy Gunn and Mike Russell.
Active Pallbearers will be: Jacob Adams, Jeremiah Adams, Ernest McKinney, Zac Coleman, Kyle Wagner and Keith McKinney, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Alex McKinney, Asher McKinney, Billy Hall, Joe Trotter and Scott Raup.
Aden’s infectious laughter, kind heart, and adventurous spirit will live on forever in the memories of his family and friends.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to:
Menser Cemetery Perpetual Fund
c/o Darla Adams
P.O. Box 382
Dawson Springs, KY 42408
